Creating a superbike engine and chassis combination that is competent enough
to delight professional racers, yet still possesses valuable streetbike qualities
to satisfy mainstream riders is a delicate balancing act to say the least.
However, Kawasaki sportbike engineers arent your average slide rule
gang. They gathered an extensive amount of superbike racing knowledge and
distilled it into the latest Ninja® ZX-10R, to create a machine
that dominates, regardless of the locale.

Motivating this impressive package is a fearsome 998cc, four-cylinder engine
that offers a strong mid-range punch followed by an eye-watering high-rpm
crescendo. Part of the motors success is its efficient respiratory system
 the bank of four 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles.
Controlled by Kawasakis digital fuel injection (DFI®) system and
featuring two injectors per cylinder, the throttle bodies utilize the airboxs
efficient design to maximize flow for improved cylinder filling and maximum
power output. On par with the impressive intake side, the equally efficient
exhaust system lets the engine exhale with ease, while generating less noise
and minimizing emissions.

An excellent power delivery demands a top-notch transmission and the ZX-10Rs
is no exception. With gearing optimized to match the engine output, the transmission
and engine are essentially a race-ready team with performance similar to Kawasakis
factory Superbikes. More racing heritage is found in its adjustable slipper
clutch, which allows riders to dole out quick downshifts without upsetting
the fine-tuned chassis.

The ZX-10R also has the Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) to enhance
the precision with which the engine reacts to throttle changes. The KIMS works
to prevent engine and catalyzer damage from sudden spikes in engine speed,
providing a smooth and controlled throttle response to the rider. The system
works by monitoring the standard DFI systems input data (engine speed,
throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position and feedback from intake air
temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature and O2 sensors), and
checking every 0.02 seconds for any sudden changes in RPM. It doesnt
interfere with normal operation and still allows the engine to rev freely
under typical riding conditions.

A superb engine deserves an equally superb chassis, and this is where the
ZX-10R really shines. Applying lessons learned in the unforgiving racing environment
to its ?ber-sport bike, Kawasaki created an exceptionally communicative machine.
It provides two-way rider/machine feedback with the precision professional
racers demand and everyday riders crave.

The track oriented and fully-adjustable 43mm inverted fork and advanced rear
suspension design supplement the ZX-10Rs chassis feedback capabilities.
The fork tubes have Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating for less stiction and
enhanced feedback, while locating the springs at the bottom of the fork legs
helps reduce oil frothing for more consistent damping performance. The fully-adjustable
rear shock includes low and high-speed compression damping for better fine-tuning
capabilities and connects to the aluminum swingarm via the latest Uni-Trak®
linkage design.

The ZX-10R is capable of slowing down every bit as fast as it can sprint
ahead. Braking duties are handled by radial mounted Tokico brake calipers
squeezing 310mm petal discs, while the rear 220mm petal disc is stopped by
a single-piston caliper.

Shrink wrapping all of this Kawasaki wizardry is a sleek aerodynamic shape
that flows from an aggressive front cowling to a sharp, minimalist tail cowl.
The rear frame, tank and seat shape offer glove-like ergonomics and near form-fitted
rider/bike contact spots. The result of these efforts is a clean, lithe and
wiry package highlighted by superb fit and finish exuding the presence befitting
its Ninja name.

Lessons learned on the race track translate to the road in the new Ninja
ZX-10R. Responsive enough for the most demanding racer, yet with performance
and handling that experienced road riders can make the most of too. An intelligent
ignition management system controls power delivery. The perfect balance.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Cylinder head
- Intake ports, exhaust ports and combustion chambers designed for optimum
flow efficiency and top-end power
- Exhaust ports are narrower at the midpoint and larger at the opening to
promote higher exhaust velocity
- 24.5mm diameter exhaust valves
- Lift profiles of the cam lobes are designed to deliver more power at high
rpm and make it easier to tune the engine for racing

KIMS Ignition
- Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) helps curtail sudden spikes in
engine speed, enhancing the riders control of power delivery
- Designed not to interfere with the riders inputs, the complex ECU
program remains passive, unless the change in engine speed exceeds the predicted
response for the given parameters, the KIMS will not engage
- Monitors engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position,
FI input data (feedback from intake air temperature, intake air pressure,
engine temperature and O2 sensors), and rate of RPM change, then adjusts ignition
timing to help regulate power delivery
- Only possible to adjust the parameters with an accessory racing (circuit-use
only) kit installed

Exhaust system
- Features a pre-chamber under the engine to reduce exhaust noise, and minimize
silencer volume
- Palladium catalyzer helps the ZX-10R to meet strict Euro-III exhaust emissions
standards
- Single orthogonal, titanium silencer, along with the pre-chamber, lowers
the bikes center of gravity and improves exhaust efficiency

Six-Speed Transmission
- Gear ratios suit the power characteristics for ideal power delivery in the
low and high-rpm ranges
- Final reduction ratio of 17/41 intensifies the acceleration
- Features an adjustable back-torque limiting clutch

Chassis
- Unique twin-spar frame features an optimized stiffness balance through a
mixture of materials, shapes and thicknesses, which alleviate critical stress
concentrations
- Ribbing on the interior of the pivot plate where it joins the frames
upper cross member slightly slows down the frame feedback for a more accurate
feel
- Swingarm pivot located to aid with the front-rear weight balance
- Lightweight, two-piece, aluminum die-cast sub-frame is mounted to the frames
upper cross member, so rear suspension feedback is transmitted more directly
to the rider
- Narrow sub-frame layout contributes to the compact and slim rear of the
bike

Swingarm
- Pressed beam swingarm delivers a level of feel and feedback unobtainable
with a cast swingarm
- Swingarm features a top-mounted brace that contributes to the superb high-speed
stability of the chassis

Wheels
- Squeeze-cast wheels offer more precise dimensions with less wall thickness
and weight yet are stiffer than the gravity-cast units

Ergonomics
- Rear frame, tank and seat offer high levels of contact with the bike and
provide the rider very accurate feedback regarding chassis performance and
road surface
- Flared fuel tank top makes it easier for riders to rest the inside of their
arm on the tank when leaning into a turn
- Narrow in the front and shorter, front to back, for a slimmer riding position,
the seat offers a shorter reach to the pavement and excellent feedback from
the chassis
- A special rib on the end of throttle tube, under the rubber, improves grip
and feel

Aerodynamic Bodywork
- Top of the front cowl has a slight step at the front to reduce wind blast
on the riders shoulders and generate a laminar flow around the riders
helmet for less turbulence at higher speeds
- Front fender aids cooling efficiency by directing air toward the radiator
- Recess on the top of the fuel tank accommodates the helmets chin,
so its easier to tuck in behind the windscreen
- High mounting position of mirrors, with integrated turn signals, provides
excellent rearward visibility and helps to minimize damage if the bike falls
over
- Flush-surface of the tails underside reduces turbulence at the rear
of the bike and ensures laminar airflow around the seat
- Larger rear inner fender keeps the bike cleaner and allows the mud flap
to be smaller and less obtrusive, further improving aerodynamic qualities
around the rear of the machine
- The mirrors, license plate holder and rear turn signals are easily removable
for track day prep
- LED tail light makes the bike more visible to drivers and provides the final
styling flourish to the evocative Ninja design